Child Nursing: The University of Manchester

Course description

The BNurs degree programme extends over three years. Students study the theoretical basis of nursing practice and a range of theories of human functioning drawn from behavioural, social and biological sciences.

The programme includes a foundation year that supports the three nursing specialities offered in the programme: child nursing, mental health nursing and adult nursing followed by two branch specific years. Emphasis is placed on the importance of competence in clinical nursing practice combined with in-depth knowledge and evidence-based decision making skills.

Clinical practice placements

The development and assessment of nursing competencies in clinical practice is a key feature and requirement of the programme. Throughout the programme students learn what it is like to work within the modern NHS, developing clinical knowledge, skills and confidence as key members of the professional healthcare team.

The School maintains excellent working relationships with local NHS Trusts in Greater Manchester, and students undertake a range of practice placements in both community and hospital settings across the whole of Greater Manchester. Clinical staff based within practice placements and academic staff from the School are available to support students with their studies whilst on placement and to assist and guide should any difficulties arise.

During clinical placements students are supervised by qualified health professionals and are allocated a named mentor. Their role is to support students in practice-based learning and to assess developing knowledge and skills against required competencies. In order to gain sufficient time in practice the programme is 38 weeks per year and extends beyond the normal university semesters.

The programme prepares students to practise effectively in a variety of professional adult nursing settings. This well-established programme has both a national and an international reputation for excellence and has produced many of the country's leading nurse practitioners, researchers, academics and policy-makers.

Career opportunities

Graduates from the BNurs programme have taken up a wide variety of positions in nursing in the UK and overseas. Career prospects are excellent, with significant opportunities for further professional development and specialisation.

There are numerous employment opportunities available within NHS Trusts and other settings for newly qualified staff. A UK registered nursing qualification is recognised in many countries around the world, and therefore provides potential opportunities for travel and work abroad.

Entry requirements

• A level: Grades BCC. Two AS-levels accepted in place of one A-level.
• Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.
• GCSE: A minimum of five GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C or above, including English Language, Mathematics and a Science is required in addition to A2 / Higher (or equivalent) requirements.
• Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification.
• International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall.